The floodwaters have receded in most areas across the 11 affected districts of Bangladesh , but the after-effects of the calamity were still affecting many lives. However, despite the decrease in water levels, thousands are still struggling with the repercussions. According to The Daily Star, the floods have claimed at least 59 lives and affected over 5.3 million people.
The floods have made thousands of people homeless. Poor families, especially farmers, have lost both homes and livelihoods. The floods have caused them severe hardships by destroying their crops and ponds.
The sad tale of Nurun Begum, a 65-year-old villager of Mierpara in Moulvibazar’s Kulaura upazila, went this way: “Floodwaters swept away my mud house. It’s all I had in this world. Now, I have no place to live.” Her voice was full of despair. She has taken shelter on a neighbor’s porch, as her home was damaged.
Autorickshaw driver Sujan Mia is from the same village and remembers the incident. Sujan said, “The embankment along the Manu River broke on August 22, and my house quickly submerged underwater. Even though the floodwater has receded, I cannot return home because the damage is too severe.” He is now staying with relatives.
Jamsed Ali, another resident of Mierpara, grieved the loss of his garden, which provided most of the family’s income. “My garden has been washed away. Now, how will my family survive?” he exclaimed.
District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Mohammad Sadu Mia reported that floods have damaged approximately 8,786 houses in Moulvibazar.”We have sent a letter to the higher authorities seeking funds to rehabilitate the flood victims,” he said.
The situation is no different in Cumilla. MA Azim, a resident of Mohismara village in Burichang upazila, Bangladesh, said, “The floodwaters washed away my house and all the furniture in it. But I don’t have the money to repair it.” Azim and his family have sought shelter with relatives.
Burichang Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahida Akter reported that floods have damaged about 40,000 houses in the upazila.”We are working to address the needs of the affected families,” she added.
A recent report from the Bangladesh government states that more than seven lakh families remain stranded across the country. The situation is improving day by day, but many people are still in a state of extreme misery. Flooding has completely subsided in several districts: Chattogram, Feni, Khagrachari, Habiganj, Sylhet, Brahmanbaria, and Cox’s Bazar.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief reported that conditions are improving in Moulvibazar, Comilla, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur. Currently, floods affect a total of 705,052 families.
According to the latest bulletin issued by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, the flood situation is likely to continue improving. Most of the major rivers are trending downward, which should bring relief to the flood-affected areas. As the recovery efforts keep going, so does the focus on providing support and rebuilding the lives of those affected in this disastrous incident.
ANI